Home Is With You

48 • Last Straw

Homer's pov

Clenching the arms of my chair so I don't attack Ms. Vargas. I know this is her job, to ask questions and raise suspicion. But I wanted her to shut her mouth. I could practically feel the tears building up behind Jeremy's eyes.

"Objection your honor. She is badgering the witness and victim blaming!" Max shouted as I watched Jeremy release a breath. "Sustained. Ms. Vargas, careful." Judge Mackins says. "Yes your honor. Let me rephrase. Did you actually get raped at all or did you just like it rough?" Ms. Vargas questioned making me grit my teeth.

"Ms. Vargas, have you seen my medical records? I have scaring, my prostate was severely bruised, my anal hole was tore. I had and have PTSD and GAD. Your client ruined me. Did you not see the fucking video?!" Jeremy shouted tears cascading down his cheeks. "Order. Mr. Gorman you may take your seat." Judge Mackins ordered.

Slowly Jeremy trudged back to his seat, covering his eyes with his hands as he cried. Handing him a hanker chief, I rub his back slowly. "Do you need to step out real quick?" I whisper to him. With a silent nod I motioned to Max we were going to step outside.

Ushering Jeremy to the bathroom, we go inside locking the door. Pulling Jeremy into my chest, I kiss his temple as he sobs into my suit jacket. "That is the last time you take the stand that bitch was crossing the line." I growl out kissing his cheek. "Homer." Jeremy murmured as he pulled away from me. Ripping off a paper towel I wipe his tears, placing a peck on his lips.

"I love you. You are worthy. You are  gorgeous inside and out. Remember that." I whisper to him as I hold his face. Jeremy sniffled softly as he looked up at me. Going into the stall, he wiped his nose before coming back out. "I think I'm okay now." Jeremy mumbled. Stepping out of the bathroom, we take our seats in the courtroom.

"Our next witness to call is Harley Wong." Max called out. A asian woman with bright red hair stood up as she's sworn in taking the stand. "Ms. Wong can you tell me your relationship with the plaintiff was or is?" Max asked her. "He was my ex. We dated for a few months a couple years back."  She said.

"Ms. Wong what do you know the plaintiff to go by?" Max asked. "He told me his name was Gene Easton. I1 don't know a Richard." She said. "Well let me introduce you Ms. Wong meet Richard Simmons. Now can you tell the court about your relationship?" Max asked.

"Gene or Mr. Simmons and I dated back in October of 2012 to May of 2013. At first everything was okay, we got along he was possessive and slightly jealous but I liked it. But when we were having sex he was too rough. To the point it hurt and caused me to bleed at times. Other times he would call me a 'yellow boned dog' and saying I ate animals. Alot of racist remarks. What made us breakup was we were in bed one night he was sleep I was up watching TV. He woke up asked me to turn the TV off when I didn't, he started getting aggressive. Talking to me like I was a child, then he started hitting me I couldn't fight back. So when he went back to sleep, I packed my things and left. There were other incidents like that, he'd throw a plate or just say really distusting things about me. But that was my last straw." Ms. Wong stated.

"Did you ever go to the hospital for any of your injuries?" Max asked. "Yes I did. They reported it but it never went anywhere. Took photos for evidence for  anything." She said. "Are these the photos in question?" Max asked as a photos pulled up on the plasma.

The photo showed her neck with bruises the shape of handprints around  it. The next was a photo of a laceration on her forehead. Each picture was another bruises another cut. Seeing Jeremy flinch at each picture was shown. "Yes sir. Those were the exact pictures that were taken." Ms. Wong said. "No further questions at this time." Max said sitting down.

"Ms. Wong you said you liked that my client was possessive and jealous. Did you ever considered the fact that Mr. Simmons could get physical?" Ms. Vargas asked. "Yes and no. Previous guys I've been with were just controlling and insecure. They felt like I  could leave them. But to hit me or put their hands on me. Never." She said shaking her head.

"So with that being said. What would be your overall summary of Mr. Simmons?" Ms. Vargas asked. "Manipulated. He manipulates everything in his favor." Ms. Wong said glaring in his direction. "But are you sure you weren't the abuser. We have neighbors stating you were always yelling. Causing arguments and at times provoking my client. So again are you sure you didn't cause or provoke Mr. Simmons to hit you?" Ms. Vargas asked.

"Listen lady I did yell and scream. But I refuse to sit there and let someone saying racist, degrading remark about me. I've always been head strong. So yes I argued and fought back. But in no way form or fashion should he of put his hand on me." Ms. Wong said passionately. I squeeze Jeremy's hand as  lightly as Ms. Wong exits the stand while Ms. Vargas take her seat.

"Councilors do you have any other witnesses to bring forth?" Judge Mackin asked. With a solid no from both lawyers, the judge dismissed us for lunch.

Once we got out to the lobby, Homer turns to Max. "Come with us to lunch." I called out as I helped Max stand. "Thank you." Max said. Helping him to the car, Jeremy let out a sigh as I relax in the passenger seat.

"I couldn't ask earlier but how are you with everything? I know that Ms. Vargas was crossing a line earlier. I seen Homer clenching the table." Max asked as he removed his leg. "I'm not okay. She blamed me for getting abused. I know it's her job but really?" Jeremy said incredulously

Putting my hand on his thigh I smile lightly. "But let's finish this conversation once we get to the conversation for the restaurant." I sigh as we fall into a silence.